Of vintage carpets and rugs: Have you seen designer J J Valaya’s latest collection yet?

The Kuba rug.

Living up to the name of his luxury home décor store, The Home of the Traveler, ace designer J J Valaya has put together a collection of prized vintage carpets and rugs, including some dating back to the 18th century. Sourced from a 30-year-old private collection, the “Collectors and Nomads” exhibition, currently on view at the flagship store at Sultanpur in New Delhi, traverses through areas like Kurdistan, Baluchistan, Uzbekistan, West Persia and Kirovabad in Caucasus, to roll out a spread of carpets and rugs.

On why he chose to curate antique carpets and rugs, Valaya says, “This collection is a showing under MORE@THT, a space dedicated to showcasing outstanding talent, rare collections and unique craftsmanship. MORE is an acronym for Moving, Original, Resourceful & Experimental, all being virtues found in our special exhibitions and shows. As connoisseurs who seek beauty and art, this collection was a perfect addition.”

The carpets and rugs are crafted from wool and are available in vibrant colour combinations that include oxidised red, green, blue, brown, white, beige, indigo, and yellow. Those that will catch one’s attention include the Kuba rug.

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Originating from Caucasus, this woollen rug is notable for its detailed and tightly woven design and dates back to 1875. The powerful designs of eagles and stylised dragons speak of a time long ago. Equally fascinating is the Baluch Timuri rug, dating back to the last quarter of the 19th century. It comprises elaborate geometric and shamanic patterns and also has goat hair woven in. As Valaya puts it, “It’s such a stunning memory of our past that will make the present more romantic and more evolved.”

The collection, on view till June 5, is priced between Rs 1.3 lakh and Rs 20 lakh for a piece

This story appeared in print under the headline Vintage spread